Katie Taylor to make first world title defence against Jessica McCaskill on December 13, live on Sky Sports

Last Updated: 14/11/17 3:42pm

Katie Taylor expects a tough fight against American Jessica McCaskill when she makes her first defence of her WBA Lightweight title on December 13, live on Sky Sports

Katie Taylor expects a tough fight against American Jessica McCaskill when she makes her first defence of her WBA Lightweight title on December 13, live on Sky Sports

Katie Taylor will make the first defence of her world title, against Jessica McCaskill, 12 days before Christmas, live on Sky Sports.

The Irish sensation puts her WBA lightweight belt on the line against the American known as 'CasKILLA', at York Hall, on Wednesday, December 13.

Taylor won the title in her seventh fight, out-pointing former holder Anahi Sanchez at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on October 28, but can't wait to make her first defence so quickly.

It's been a great year for me and this is definitely a great end to it.

Katie Taylor

This is going to be a great fight, something you won't be able to take your eyes off.

Jessica McCaskill

"It's fantastic, a great opportunity and I have to thank Eddie Hearn and Sky Sports for this," she exclusively told Sky Sports News' Sportswomen.

"It's been a great year for me and this is definitely a great end to it, to fight a great fighter. It's very exciting for me. I expect a tough, tough fight. She's meant to be a very good opponent and I am expecting a tough challenge.

"I am so excited about headlining my first show as a professional boxer and my mindset will stay the same going into this one. I prepare meticulously for every single fight and this fight is no different, so I can't wait to go in there and perform."

Katie Taylor was crowned as the new WBA lightweight champion after beating Anahi Sanchez

Katie Taylor was crowned as the new WBA lightweight champion after beating Anahi Sanchez

McCaskill is based in Chicago and has been chasing Taylor for the last year.

The 33-year-old has one less fight than Taylor as a professional but with American Golden Gloves successes as an amateur behind her, is ready to add the WBA lightweight title to her collection.

"It's been difficult getting fights since I was an amateur, but I am definitely happy to travel," she said.

Tale of the Tape - Katie Taylor v Jessica McCaskill

"I have a lot of respect for this sport and for Katie Taylor, but I will be bringing that belt and that respect back to the US with me.

"I want to be known as the No 1 in America, and of course the world title is definitely the goal. This is going to be a great fight, something you won't be able to take your eyes off."

Eddie Hearn is building a stacked undercard on December 13

A stacked undercard of talented Brits are set to support Taylor's defence. Unbeaten super-featherweight talent Martin J Ward can add another title to his impressive collection as he faces former champion Juli Giner for the vacant European title.

Light-heavyweights Jake Ball and Miles Shinkwin will meet in a tasty contest while Birmingham's super-bantamweight talent Gamal Yafai looks to extend his unbeaten record. Future cruiserweight rivals Lawrence Okolie and Isaac Chamberlain look to further stoke the fire for a 2018 clash. Team GB Rio Olympian Joe Cordina will be in action for the sixth time in the paid ranks.

Watch Katie Taylor vs Jessica McCaskill, from York Hall, on Wednesday, December 13, live on Sky Sports.